Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space. They are published in good faith with a view to enlightening all the stakeholders. However, the contents of these writings may not necessarily match the views of the newspaper.
IMCTC’s passivity
In the realm of moral bankruptcy and apathy, the Islamic Military Counter-Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) stands as a glaring example. While the Palestinian-Israeli conflict engulfs innocent lives in a blaze of suffering, the IMCTC’s choice to remain eerily silent represents a shameful abandonment of humanity.
Founded with the noble mission of combating terrorism and extremism within the Islamic world, the IMCTC now lurks in the shadows of moral decay. Its grand promises of peace, security, and stability in the region have crumbled into dust, as it refuses to acknowledge the very crisis that demands its immediate attention.
In a world fraught with chaos, one would expect leadership from a coalition consisting of 41 Muslim-majority nations. Yet, the IMCTC, instead of becoming a beacon of hope, remains shrouded in ominous silence, forsaking its role in a global theater of human suffering.
The IMCTC’s muteness resonates as a grotesque symphony of indifference, echoing through the anguish of Palestinians who have become casualties in this brutal conflict. It brazenly disregards the principles it was founded upon, displaying a shocking lack of interest in safeguarding the basic rights and dignity of those ensnared in this cycle of violence.
Despite its mandate to engage in diplomatic efforts to quell conflicts, the IMCTC has plunged itself into a diplomatic abyss regarding the Palestinian crisis. Its refusal to mediate or even speak out serves as a testament to its negligence, indifference, and the absence of any genuine diplomatic resolve.
In summation, the Islamic Military Counter-Terrorism Coalition’s silence in the face of the Palestinian genocide is not only an affront to its foundational ideals but a direct endorsement of suffering and injustice. It represents a moral void that permeates its very essence, tainting its purpose. The IMCTC must urgently awaken from its moral slumber, break free from the chains of indifference, and assume the moral responsibility of leading a charge towards justice and peace in this tragic conflict.
M ZOHAIR ELAHI
Islamabad
Polluted air
Today, I want to shed light on a pervasive issue in Pakistan – polluted air. Shockingly, in 2022, two out of the five cities with the worst air quality were in Pakistan. The nation ranked third globally, with an alarming 70.9 air quality index.
Notably, Lahore emerged as the most polluted city in Pakistan, cementing the country’s position with the worst air pollution problem in South Asia. This crisis poses a significant threat to human health and well-being. Air pollution not only affects the quality of air we breathe but also has detrimental effects on the ozone layer, which shields us from the sun’s harmful rays. Exposure to polluted air can lead to skin diseases and even skin cancer. The primary sources of this pollution in our country include the burning of waste material and the combustion of coal, among others.
In light of these distressing facts, it is imperative for individuals to take proactive steps to safeguard themselves from these harmful pollutants. We need to be conscious of our actions, minimize waste burning, advocate for cleaner energy alternatives and actively contribute to initiatives aimed at reducing air pollution.
Our collective efforts can make a significant difference in addressing this pressing issue and creating a healthier environment for all.
JANNAT KHUDADAD
Lahore
Silent emergency
Pakistan finds itself in a troubling position, grappling with the scourge of preterm births. Unfortunately, the nation stands among the worst-affected countries globally—a frightening reality that demands immediate action and attention.
Pakistan is among the worst nations with a 14.3% preterm birth rate. In 2020, a staggering 65% of preterm births occurred in Southern Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, with a concerning rate of 14.3% in Pakistan.
Preterm babies are at high risk of death. Those who survive are likely to compromise their health, growth, intellectual and mental abilities, and even face chronic diseases. The latest figures collected by the World Bank indicate that over 40% of children under the age of five are stunted in Pakistan. The South Asia average stands at 31%. In light of these cruel outcomes, it is imperative to address the issue comprehensively.
The issue of preterm births is not confined to low and middle-income countries alone; even high-income countries like Greece and the United States of America are grappling with high preterm birth rates. Therefore, the situation necessitates substantial investment in services that support preterm babies because today’s children are the future of our nation. The health of our children is the health of our nation. These statistics paint a gloomy picture, highlighting the acute need for concerted efforts from both the public and the government.
AYESHA ARIF
Karachi
